Phil Simmons reinstated as West Indies cricket coach

St. John's (Antigua), Nov 11: West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) decided to reinstate Phil Simmons as head coach of their senior team after he apologised for criticising team selection.

Simmons, 52, was suspended in September for questioning the continued omissions of all-rounders Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard.

He had alleged outside interference in the selection of the One-Day International (ODI) squad for the tour of Sri Lanka, saying he had not been given the best squad. Before the squad was officially announced by the WICB, he said that even though he and the captain Jason Holder wanted all-rounders Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard in the team, they were left out.

He issued a public apology to the WICB later, BBC reported on Tuesday.

"I regret my public outburst during a press conference and the revelation of the vote that took place at the selection meeting. I extend a public apology to all whom I may have offended. I have personally apologised to my fellow selectors and the WICB and now do so again publicly," Simmons said.

"I am looking forward to putting this behind me and doing the job I enjoy with the West Indies' senior men's teams," he said.

Simmons played 26 Tests as an all-rounder for the West Indies between 1988 and 1997, and became head coach of their senior squads in March.